hum and haw

hum and haw

To speak in an evasive, vague, roundabout way in order to avoid responding to a question or making a definite statement. The phrase comes from the common filler words often used by habit or when one is deciding what to say. Primarily heard in UK. How much longer do we have to hear this guy hum and haw? I wish they would get on with the debate.

Losing a job, contracting a serious illness or splitting up with a partner - all these are excuses to send fairweather friends scurrying for cover as they hum and haw about whether they still want to know you.

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